After enduring two decades of international arms embargo, Pakistan is set to emerge as one of the most active new players in the $3 trillion world arms market.

Its arms export last year amounted to $200 million - a small sum in comparison to the US and Russia, nonetheless a huge earning for Pakistan considering that the arms sanction against it was lifted just five years ago.

The sanction was imposed by the US and its European allies to punish Pakistan for embarking on its nuclear weapons programme.

However, following the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and Pakistan's support for the US-led war on terrorism, the US has designated the populous Muslim nation as a major non-NATO ally - one of the few Muslim countries to be accorded the privilege.

The designation meant that Pakistan now has access to weapons, from aircraft to missiles, which were denied to it five years ago.

During the period of embargo, Pakistan turned to its long-time ally, China for cooperation in arms trade, which according to defence experts, was limited to conventional weapons only.

However, with its "new status" in the world arms market, Pakistan's arms exhibition, International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2006, is being viewed as one of the leading defence events in the South Asia region.

A total of 231 companies, including those from the US, Europe, Russia and China took part in the four-day event which showcased five long-range surface-to-surface missiles, in service with the Pakistan Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC)

Among the missiles were the intermediate range ballistic missiles, the Ghauri and Shaheen II. The Ghauri has a 1,500 km range, and the Shaheen II, 2,000 km.

On November 16, witnessed by Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, a Ghauri missile was test fired from an unspecified location.

Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied that its ballistic missiles are capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Growing Export Market

Pakistan is exporting arms and munitions to 50 Asian and Europeans countries, the US, UK and New Zealand.

Its sales are not limited to small arms and ammunition; they also included big-ticket items, such as the Super Mushak training aircraft to Middle East, gunboats to Bangladesh and man portable air defence missiles to Malaysia.

These sales have wetted Pakistan's appetite to further penetrate the international arms market.

It recently demonstrated the capability of its Al-Khalid main battle tank (MBT) in Saudi Arabia with a hope to clinch a deal for the sale of 150 tanks to beef up the Kingdom's defence forces.

The Al-Khalid MBT, manufactured by Pakistan's Heavy Industries Taxila, was the result of Pakistan-China collaboration.

^^^^Pakistan does not sell arms to militia..only governments..It's not interested in selling the odd machine guns to make $100. We're talking about modern jet fighters which militias could not afford. Use your head please.

No. It sells a few trainer jets, but it does not sell full-fledged fighter aircraft. the majority of Pakistan's arms exports are of ammunition and small arms, which are most probably sold to militias and brutal governments.

No. It sells a few trainer jets, but it does not sell full-fledged fighter aircraft. the majority of Pakistan's arms exports are of ammunition and small arms, which are most probably sold to militias and brutal governments.

As someone mentioned, Pakistan's sales aren't to militia. Most of Pakistan's exports are to the oil powers in the middle east (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Oman, UAE, Iran) and south Asia (Sri Lanka, Bangladesh). Weapons sales are predominantly ammunition (Pakistan even makes ammunition in sizes we don't use just for export!) but also include high-end greater value added devices. As the linked article, http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.o...an_Pushing.htm , point out, Saudia Arabia now uses Pakistani laser range finders for its soldiers and artillery.

We also sell anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to Malaysia and have exported trainers to Egypt. The big breakthrough that Pakistan is looking for is a buyer for the Al-Khalid tank.

No. It sells a few trainer jets, but it does not sell full-fledged fighter aircraft. the majority of Pakistan's arms exports are of ammunition and small arms, which are most probably sold to militias and brutal governments.

Currently perhaps, but I was thinking of a couple of years down the road when it should be exporting JF-17 jet fighters and AWACS. The sale of ammo is no big thing. Militias can buy ammo cheaper from places like the black market, than from a government, and without the hassle.

No. It sells a few trainer jets, but it does not sell full-fledged fighter aircraft. the majority of Pakistan's arms exports are of ammunition and small arms, which are most probably sold to militias and brutal governments.

Saudi Arabia may or may not buy it, as it has a ton of money & useally opts for the expensive Western Air Craft. But the potential is there.

Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, could be potential customers.. that is if they decide to build a decent military.

Algeria recently acquired Russian Mig-29 SMT's, so it may not be willing to buy another A/C just yet. But again, the potential is there, especially if they plan to phase out their Su-24's & Mig-25's.

Egypt bought K-8's from us, and produces them locally. The same could be done for Jf-17 - there is high potential. But Jf-17 here has a major competitor, and that is the Russian Mig-29. Russia is offering Egypt to trade-in their older Migs (i.e. Mig-21) for the newer Mig-29 at a cheaper cost. Egypt could buy both platforms just to keep its force diverse.

Iran is definitely going to buy these, since it has almost no other options - sanctioned from the West; Russia is the main supplier, and even it is hesitant in supplying top of the line technology to Iran (fears it might end up in U.S hands).

Bangladesh has plenty of Chinese jets, and this is just going to be another newer addition.

Zimbabwe expressed great interest in the Jf-17, at IDEAS 2006. So, Zimbabwe will also likely buy it (but not in big numbers, in my opinion).

After Pakistan & China, it is going to be most likely Bangladesh & Iran, who are going to be the biggest operators of Jf-17. Egypt may be the next.